Full Breakdown
Trump Critiques Colbert Amid Ongoing Media Tensions
12/28/2025, 7:45:52 PM
Trump’s Criticism of Stephen Colbert
On December 24, 2023, President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to criticize late-night host Stephen Colbert, labeling him a “pathetic trainwreck” and suggesting CBS should “put him to sleep.” This outburst followed CBS's announcement that Colbert's show, *The Late Show*, would conclude in May 2026, a decision Trump attributed to the show's declining ratings and alleged lack of talent. Trump stated, “Stephen is running on hatred and fumes ~ A dead man walking!” He further questioned the quality of late-night programming across major networks, asserting that they share “High Salaries, No Talent, REALLY LOW RATINGS!”
Trump's remarks come in the context of a $16 million settlement between CBS and Trump related to a legal dispute over a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris, which Colbert had criticized. CBS characterized the decision to end *The Late Show* as a financial one, unrelated to its performance or content.
Broader Media Context
Trump's comments reflect a broader conflict between him and various media personalities, particularly those who critique his presidency. Colbert has been a frequent target of Trump's ire, often using his platform to satirize the former president and the Republican Party. Trump's latest tirade included a threat to revoke broadcast licenses for networks that he perceives as negative towards him, stating, “shouldn’t their very valuable Broadcast Licenses be terminated? I say, YES!”
Kimmel’s Response
In a related vein, fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel delivered a scathing critique of Trump during his Alternative Christmas Message. Kimmel described Trump as someone who seeks adoration and would prefer to silence dissenting voices. He emphasized the importance of press freedom and warned against the dangers posed by authoritarianism, stating, “He would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored.” Kimmel's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between Trump and late-night comedians, who often use humor to address serious political issues.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Trump’s comments, including Colbert’s supporters, argue that his attacks represent an attempt to censor political satire and undermine free speech. They contend that Colbert's humor serves as an important counterbalance to Trump's political rhetoric. The feud underscores the contentious relationship between Trump and mainstream media, particularly those who challenge his narrative.
Official Statements & Responses
CBS has stated that the decision to end *The Late Show* was purely financial and not influenced by external pressures or the show's content. No immediate response has been issued from Colbert regarding Trump's latest comments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump claims that Colbert's ratings have plummeted, CBS has not publicly confirmed any specific ratings data. Additionally, there is no consensus on the impact of Trump's comments on Colbert's audience or the future of late-night television.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stephen Colbert is a pathetic trainwreck, with no talent or anything else necessary for show business success,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “He would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Late-Night Host
This ongoing conflict between Trump and Colbert, along with Kimmel's responses, illustrates the heightened tensions in the media landscape as political satire continues to play a significant role in public discourse.
